Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Asks DeSantis for Temporary Gas Tax Pause

Woodward seeks state-level action to provide relief for local drivers amid high fuel prices.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:26am

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a lone gas pump standing on an empty urban street bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the financial burden of high fuel costs on drivers.As gas prices continue to strain local budgets, a Palm Beach County leader seeks state-level action to provide temporary tax relief for drivers.Palm Beach Today

Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Marci Woodward has written to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and state representatives, requesting that they allow a temporary pause on local gas taxes to provide relief for drivers in the county facing high fuel prices.

Why it matters

With gas prices remaining high, Vice Mayor Woodward is taking her efforts to the state level in hopes of securing a temporary tax break that could provide some financial relief for local residents and commuters in Palm Beach County.

The details

In her letter, Vice Mayor Woodward has asked state leaders to give counties the authority to temporarily suspend their local gas taxes, which can add an additional 5-12 cents per gallon on top of state and federal taxes. This move could provide immediate savings for drivers in the county struggling with the high cost of fuel.

  • Vice Mayor Woodward sent the letter to Governor DeSantis and state representatives on April 15, 2026.

The players

Marci Woodward

The vice mayor of Palm Beach County, Florida, who is advocating for a temporary pause on local gas taxes to provide relief for drivers in the county.

Ron DeSantis

The current governor of Florida, who Woodward has written to requesting state-level action on the gas tax issue.

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What they’re saying

“We must do everything we can to provide relief for our residents and commuters who are struggling with the high cost of gas.”

— Marci Woodward, Palm Beach County Vice Mayor

What’s next

Governor DeSantis and state representatives will review Vice Mayor Woodward's request and determine if they will grant counties the authority to temporarily suspend local gas taxes.

The takeaway

This request by the Palm Beach County Vice Mayor highlights the growing pressure on state and local leaders to find ways to provide financial relief for drivers facing record-high fuel prices in their communities.